Don't forget, Giving Tree items are due tomorrow. We are over 50 gifts short of the stars that were taken from the tree!
Language Arts: Unfortunately, we did not have the best behavior in music, therefore we had to spend quite a bit of time reviewing STAR behavior and writing a letter of apology to Mrs. Wehrly. We also took the quiz over chapters 6-8 and then moved on to chapter 9 before the end of the morning.
HW: Finish comprehension questions and vocabulary from chapter 9. Make sure the activity from chapters 7-8 is complete as well as the letter to Mrs. Wirth.
Math: We spent quite a bit of time reviewing past concepts and then moved into long division today. Students were given a lot of work time to work on the following: Journal pages 144-146, 166-167 and math boxes 6.3 and 6.10, as well as study link 6.3 and 6.10. It is all work that is due tomorrow.
Social Studies: Content 1--we took the chapter 6 test today.
HW: None
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Monday, December 10
It finally feels like December, as I look out the window and see the first snowflakes starting to fall...
Language Arts: We worked our way through chapters 7-8 in our novel study, Frindle. I'm so pleased the students seem to be enjoying the book so much. We are having a fantastic time going through each page, word by word, and finding excellent examples of figurative language. Since these books are for keeps, we're even marking them up! Gasp! :)
We're continuing to work on the You're The Teacher grammar pages. This is great practice in proofreading work.
HW: Finish chapter 7-8 comprehension questions, venturing into vocabulary words and the character cop entry for Mrs. Granger.
Math: We started in on unit 6 today. Our focus was multiplication and division number stories, as well as starting to explore different strategies to figure out division of bigger numbers. This will be a short chapter, with a test already planned for next Wednesday. The students received a study guide today in preparation.
HW: Finish journal page 140, math boxes 6.1 and 6.2, as well as study links 6.1 and 6.2 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: (Content 2) We had our test over chapter 6.
HW: None
Language Arts: We worked our way through chapters 7-8 in our novel study, Frindle. I'm so pleased the students seem to be enjoying the book so much. We are having a fantastic time going through each page, word by word, and finding excellent examples of figurative language. Since these books are for keeps, we're even marking them up! Gasp! :)
We're continuing to work on the You're The Teacher grammar pages. This is great practice in proofreading work.
HW: Finish chapter 7-8 comprehension questions, venturing into vocabulary words and the character cop entry for Mrs. Granger.
Math: We started in on unit 6 today. Our focus was multiplication and division number stories, as well as starting to explore different strategies to figure out division of bigger numbers. This will be a short chapter, with a test already planned for next Wednesday. The students received a study guide today in preparation.
HW: Finish journal page 140, math boxes 6.1 and 6.2, as well as study links 6.1 and 6.2 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: (Content 2) We had our test over chapter 6.
HW: None
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Tuesday
We had another fantastic day here at Northpoint. Please remember that the Giving Tree is up in the lobby if you haven't had a chance to grab a star yet. All unwrapped gifts are due back to school by December 12th.
LA: We spent another morning filled with Frindle. We spent quite a bit of time going over the comprehension questions from yesterday's chapter, before listening to chapter 2 tomorrow. We're excited to get our books tomorrow so we can start marking them up. We also completed a journal entry about this chapter. We'll be doing today's comprehension questions tomorrow when we actually have our books in hand. We worked through some more grammar this morning as well, we're working on our proofreading skills as well as reviewing all topics we've previously covered.
Finally, we finished off the morning with our second round of Language Arts Acuity testing.
HW: Finish journal entry, and both Thanksgiving sheets if they weren't completed in class.
Math: We spent today reviewing reading and writing big numbers.
HW: Journal pages 126-128, math box and study link 5.8 were all worked on during class. If they weren't finished, they are homework.
Social Studies: Content 1--we started in on chapter 6 today, learning about the Southeast Region. We worked with partners on the geography challenge questions.
HW: None
LA: We spent another morning filled with Frindle. We spent quite a bit of time going over the comprehension questions from yesterday's chapter, before listening to chapter 2 tomorrow. We're excited to get our books tomorrow so we can start marking them up. We also completed a journal entry about this chapter. We'll be doing today's comprehension questions tomorrow when we actually have our books in hand. We worked through some more grammar this morning as well, we're working on our proofreading skills as well as reviewing all topics we've previously covered.
Finally, we finished off the morning with our second round of Language Arts Acuity testing.
HW: Finish journal entry, and both Thanksgiving sheets if they weren't completed in class.
Math: We spent today reviewing reading and writing big numbers.
HW: Journal pages 126-128, math box and study link 5.8 were all worked on during class. If they weren't finished, they are homework.
Social Studies: Content 1--we started in on chapter 6 today, learning about the Southeast Region. We worked with partners on the geography challenge questions.
HW: None
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday
Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a relaxing time with family and friends over our long Thanksgiving weekend! Maybe some shopping, too?
LA--We're taking a time out from our basal readers for the next three weeks and working on a novel study. We're going to be sharing Frindle together as a class. We started with chapter 1 today. Unfortunately, there was an issue with Barnes and Noble, and the books haven't arrived yet. We're keeping our fingers crossed that they will be here by Wednesday at the latest. We will be reading the chapters together in class, as well as completing most of the work here at school. Homework will only be assigned if things are not completed during class time. There will be no weekly homework during this time.
HW: Finish chapter 1 questions if they weren't completed in class. Be sure to share the half sheet requesting Frindle donations with a parent.
Math: We're continuing on with our multiplication strategies in math class. Today we focused on Lattice Multiplication. We spent quite a bit of time discussing how important the actual multiplication process is in Lattice, not just how perfect we can draw the boxes. :)
HW: Journal page 124, math box and study link 5.7 and the extra sheet are all due tomorrow.
Social Studies: Content 2--we started in on chapter 6 today, which will take us on a tour of the Southeast Region of the United States.
HW: None
LA--We're taking a time out from our basal readers for the next three weeks and working on a novel study. We're going to be sharing Frindle together as a class. We started with chapter 1 today. Unfortunately, there was an issue with Barnes and Noble, and the books haven't arrived yet. We're keeping our fingers crossed that they will be here by Wednesday at the latest. We will be reading the chapters together in class, as well as completing most of the work here at school. Homework will only be assigned if things are not completed during class time. There will be no weekly homework during this time.
HW: Finish chapter 1 questions if they weren't completed in class. Be sure to share the half sheet requesting Frindle donations with a parent.
Math: We're continuing on with our multiplication strategies in math class. Today we focused on Lattice Multiplication. We spent quite a bit of time discussing how important the actual multiplication process is in Lattice, not just how perfect we can draw the boxes. :)
HW: Journal page 124, math box and study link 5.7 and the extra sheet are all due tomorrow.
Social Studies: Content 2--we started in on chapter 6 today, which will take us on a tour of the Southeast Region of the United States.
HW: None
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thursday
I am so very proud to be a Northpoint Star! We happily sent over 4,000 non-perishable food items to families in need just in time for Thanksgiving! Wahoooooooooo!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generous donations!
Language Arts: We spent some time rereading our story for the week with partners today. We also worked on the Think and Compare questions at the end of the story. We were super excited to meet and visit with our first grade reading buddies this morning. Mrs. McGann's class was almost as excited to see us as well. There are so many benefits to spending time being the "upper class man" at Northpoint! We finished off the morning by working on some nonfiction snake articles.
HW: Weekly homework is due on Monday.
Math: We continued on with the estimation practice we started yesterday. Today's focus was on estimating the product of some story problems.
HW: journal page 109, math box and study link 5.4 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: Content 1--We finished up reading all sections of the chapter, minus the Reading Further section. We also added notes to our Interactive Student Notebooks.
HW: Study for the test which will be given next Wednesday.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generous donations!
Language Arts: We spent some time rereading our story for the week with partners today. We also worked on the Think and Compare questions at the end of the story. We were super excited to meet and visit with our first grade reading buddies this morning. Mrs. McGann's class was almost as excited to see us as well. There are so many benefits to spending time being the "upper class man" at Northpoint! We finished off the morning by working on some nonfiction snake articles.
HW: Weekly homework is due on Monday.
Math: We continued on with the estimation practice we started yesterday. Today's focus was on estimating the product of some story problems.
HW: journal page 109, math box and study link 5.4 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: Content 1--We finished up reading all sections of the chapter, minus the Reading Further section. We also added notes to our Interactive Student Notebooks.
HW: Study for the test which will be given next Wednesday.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Monday, November 12
Many thanks to those of you that have had my family in their thoughts and prayers regarding my grandmother's passing. I'm looking forward to getting back to "normal" this week! I certainly missed the students while I was out on Thursday and Friday.
Also--Huge, HUGE, HUGE thanks to all of our parents that are Veteran's. We owe you much more gratitude than we'll ever be able express.
Language Arts: Westarted were supposed to start a new story this morning, but instead took some time to learn of the importance of celebrating Veteran's Day. We also had about 1/2 the class do their presentations based off of their biography facts.
HW: Wednesday is the final day for the non-perishable food items. Weekly homework will be passed out tomorrow.
Math: We jumped into Unit 5 today, with a lesson on extending multiplication facts. This was a review for most of us, so we got through it fairly quickly.
HW: Journal pages 106-107 should have been done with a partner, math box and study link 5.1 in addition to the extra sheet are all due tomorrow.
Social Studies: Content 2--we started Chapter 5 today, learning more about life in the Northeast Region. This is a very short chapter, and we will already be ready for the test next Tuesday.
HW: None
Also--Huge, HUGE, HUGE thanks to all of our parents that are Veteran's. We owe you much more gratitude than we'll ever be able express.
Language Arts: We
HW: Wednesday is the final day for the non-perishable food items. Weekly homework will be passed out tomorrow.
Math: We jumped into Unit 5 today, with a lesson on extending multiplication facts. This was a review for most of us, so we got through it fairly quickly.
HW: Journal pages 106-107 should have been done with a partner, math box and study link 5.1 in addition to the extra sheet are all due tomorrow.
Social Studies: Content 2--we started Chapter 5 today, learning more about life in the Northeast Region. This is a very short chapter, and we will already be ready for the test next Tuesday.
HW: None
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Happy Election Day! It is my hope that you will continue the very important conversations about voting at home that we have started discussing here at school. We've been learning all about Democracy in Social Studies so this is a perfect carry over to the dinner table. It was fun hearing from the students that were able to go to the polls this morning with their parents.
LA: We're continuing on with our story this week, and all of the skills that go along with it. Today, we spent a lot of time working with possessive nouns, both singular and plural. We also spent some time adding our Common Core words into our glossaries in our binders. We had a great discussion on figurative language terms as well as biographies. Each student was given a level reader to learn about an important historical figure as well. We worked on finding facts, similar to what the weekly homework tasks asks us to do this week. We finished up the morning by completing a voting worksheet.
HW: Weekly homework is due on Friday. If leveled readers weren't done in class, they are due tomorrow. Voting paper is also due tomorrow if it wasn't finished during work time.
Math: We finished up all of the lessons in Unit 4 today, ending with measuring in millimeters for practice. We also worked on converting centimeters to millimeters as review.
HW: Journal page 103 should have been done with partners in class. If not completed, it needs to be done tonight. Also, Math Box and Study Link 4,10 are due tomorrow, along with the conversion sheet.
Social Studies: Content 1--We finished up chapter 4 today by sharing the Reading Further section with a partner. We then pretended like we were newspaper reporters asking questions of the Mill Workers in Howell, MA.
HW: Study for the chapter 4 test which will be given on Friday.
LA: We're continuing on with our story this week, and all of the skills that go along with it. Today, we spent a lot of time working with possessive nouns, both singular and plural. We also spent some time adding our Common Core words into our glossaries in our binders. We had a great discussion on figurative language terms as well as biographies. Each student was given a level reader to learn about an important historical figure as well. We worked on finding facts, similar to what the weekly homework tasks asks us to do this week. We finished up the morning by completing a voting worksheet.
HW: Weekly homework is due on Friday. If leveled readers weren't done in class, they are due tomorrow. Voting paper is also due tomorrow if it wasn't finished during work time.
Math: We finished up all of the lessons in Unit 4 today, ending with measuring in millimeters for practice. We also worked on converting centimeters to millimeters as review.
HW: Journal page 103 should have been done with partners in class. If not completed, it needs to be done tonight. Also, Math Box and Study Link 4,10 are due tomorrow, along with the conversion sheet.
Social Studies: Content 1--We finished up chapter 4 today by sharing the Reading Further section with a partner. We then pretended like we were newspaper reporters asking questions of the Mill Workers in Howell, MA.
HW: Study for the chapter 4 test which will be given on Friday.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Monday, November 5
Whew! We're off to another busy week! Don't forget that we're in the midst of the 2nd Annual Stuff A Trailer Event. Help our Stars shine in the community by donating food.
Language Arts: We started our new story, "How Ben Franklin Stole Lightning" this morning. Since this story is a biography, we're also working on some research as weekly homework this week. Be sure to read the directions carefully...oral presentations will start next Monday. This week, we're focusing on problem and solution as well as concrete poetry and possessive nouns.
Our story vocabulary words this week are:
Math: Today was all about the metric units of measure and how to make conversions properly. We spent quite a bit of time reviewing the notes that had been passed out previously and practicing making conversions on white boards.
HW: Journal page 96 (skip the chart), Math box 4.8 (skip #5), math box 4.9, study link 4.8 (skip the chart) and study link 4.9.
Social Studies: Content 2--students worked with partners today to complete the Reading Further section and then the Interactive Student Notebooks as well. Time for test studying was allowed at the end of class.
HW: Chapter 4 test will be given on Thursday.
Language Arts: We started our new story, "How Ben Franklin Stole Lightning" this morning. Since this story is a biography, we're also working on some research as weekly homework this week. Be sure to read the directions carefully...oral presentations will start next Monday. This week, we're focusing on problem and solution as well as concrete poetry and possessive nouns.
Our story vocabulary words this week are:
- hilarious
- convinced
- mischief
- independence
- (come in) handy
- dizzy
- whirlwind
- nowadays
- possessive nouns--shows ownership
- biography-a story written about another person's life
- idioms-a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the separate words.
- alliteration--the repetition of beginning consonant sounds
- onomatopoeia-a word that sounds like the word it is describing
- hyperbole-a huge exaggeration
- figurative language-includes similes, metaphors and other word that create images in the reader's minds.
Math: Today was all about the metric units of measure and how to make conversions properly. We spent quite a bit of time reviewing the notes that had been passed out previously and practicing making conversions on white boards.
HW: Journal page 96 (skip the chart), Math box 4.8 (skip #5), math box 4.9, study link 4.8 (skip the chart) and study link 4.9.
Social Studies: Content 2--students worked with partners today to complete the Reading Further section and then the Interactive Student Notebooks as well. Time for test studying was allowed at the end of class.
HW: Chapter 4 test will be given on Thursday.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I hope everyone had a great fall break! It was great seeing all the smiling, rested faces this morning!
Language Arts~
We began working on this week's skills and concepts this morning. We took our spelling pretest and filled out our weekly packet. The story this week is a short nonfiction article, "Stealing Beauty." It is about stealing cultural artifacts. Our comprehension skill is determining if information is fact or opinion. We will make inferences and analyze the text to help maker our determination. Our vocabulary for this week: temples, dynasties, heritage, preserve, and overjoyed. Our grammar skill is irregular plural nouns. Our spelling and phonics focus is complex consonant clusters.
Our common core words reflect our skills and the different parts of a book: title page, table of contents, glossary, index, irregular plurals, fact and opinion, expository and nonfiction.
HW: Weekly Packet is due Friday. Published book forms are due tomorrow.
Math~
We continued to learn about decimals today. Our focus today was on how to add and subtract decimals. We learned that there are 3 things to remember about adding and subtracting decimals. First, always line up the decimals. Second, use zeros as place holders to the right of the decimals. This helps to keep the columns of numbers straight. Finally, if a number is a whole number the decimal is invisible and always to the right of the ones place. We completed journal pages 87-89.
HW: Finish incomplete journal pages, math boxes and study link 4.5
Social Studies: Content 2--We finished up chapter 4's train tour of the Northeast Coast.
HW: Start using the study guide t o prepare for next Thursday's test over chapter 4.
Language Arts~
We began working on this week's skills and concepts this morning. We took our spelling pretest and filled out our weekly packet. The story this week is a short nonfiction article, "Stealing Beauty." It is about stealing cultural artifacts. Our comprehension skill is determining if information is fact or opinion. We will make inferences and analyze the text to help maker our determination. Our vocabulary for this week: temples, dynasties, heritage, preserve, and overjoyed. Our grammar skill is irregular plural nouns. Our spelling and phonics focus is complex consonant clusters.
Our common core words reflect our skills and the different parts of a book: title page, table of contents, glossary, index, irregular plurals, fact and opinion, expository and nonfiction.
HW: Weekly Packet is due Friday. Published book forms are due tomorrow.
Math~
We continued to learn about decimals today. Our focus today was on how to add and subtract decimals. We learned that there are 3 things to remember about adding and subtracting decimals. First, always line up the decimals. Second, use zeros as place holders to the right of the decimals. This helps to keep the columns of numbers straight. Finally, if a number is a whole number the decimal is invisible and always to the right of the ones place. We completed journal pages 87-89.
HW: Finish incomplete journal pages, math boxes and study link 4.5
Social Studies: Content 2--We finished up chapter 4's train tour of the Northeast Coast.
HW: Start using the study guide t o prepare for next Thursday's test over chapter 4.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Terrific Tuesday
Don't forget...tomorrow is Picture Re-Take Day! Come prepared by bringing your old pictures!
Also--make plans to join the other Stars at Northpoint at the USA Roller Rink on Thursday night. Dinner at Culver's before is a great plan, too!
Language Arts: We continued on with our story this morning. We worked on our grammar skill of common and proper nouns...with lots of white board practice. Some of us are really struggling with remembering that all proper nouns start with capital letters. We're working on it, though! We also spent quite a bit of time on Author's Purpose...students were given a resource sheet to add to binders helping them remember this important information. We added our new Common Core words into our glossaries as well as read the story of the week and worked on the Think and Compare questions.
HW: Finish Think and Compare questions if they weren't completed in class. Weekly homework is due on Friday.
Math: We took the Unit 3 practice test today. This test will look very similar to tomorrow's real Unit 3 test. As a group, we went over the answers so the students all had the same material to study from tonight.
HW: Study for the Unit 3 test. If the multiplication sheet or math boxes 3.12 weren't done in class, they are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: Content 1--Chapter 3 test today.
HW: None
Also--make plans to join the other Stars at Northpoint at the USA Roller Rink on Thursday night. Dinner at Culver's before is a great plan, too!
Language Arts: We continued on with our story this morning. We worked on our grammar skill of common and proper nouns...with lots of white board practice. Some of us are really struggling with remembering that all proper nouns start with capital letters. We're working on it, though! We also spent quite a bit of time on Author's Purpose...students were given a resource sheet to add to binders helping them remember this important information. We added our new Common Core words into our glossaries as well as read the story of the week and worked on the Think and Compare questions.
HW: Finish Think and Compare questions if they weren't completed in class. Weekly homework is due on Friday.
Math: We took the Unit 3 practice test today. This test will look very similar to tomorrow's real Unit 3 test. As a group, we went over the answers so the students all had the same material to study from tonight.
HW: Study for the Unit 3 test. If the multiplication sheet or math boxes 3.12 weren't done in class, they are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: Content 1--Chapter 3 test today.
HW: None
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday
I think Fall is finally here to stay...this weather would be delightful...if we were ducks! : /
Picture Re-takes are going to take place on Wednesday! Be prepared to bring back your pictures that you don't want and the photographers will retake your picture!
Language Arts: We finished up our Greek Mythology mini unit on Friday so we jumped into Unit 2 in our Basals today. The first story is "Mighty Jackie" which is a historical fiction piece about women playing baseball! With this story, we're going to be learning about determining the author's purpose in writing, working more with setting and characters, reading tables and charts and writing persuasive letters.
Our story vocabulary words this week are: legendary, muttered, gaped, snickering, insult, fluke and flinched.
Our common core words this week are:
Math: We finished up the lessons in Unit 3 today with a lot of practice solving open number sentences. Students worked through many examples and a journal page to practice this new skill.
Homework: Finish journal pages 74-75 and math box and study link 3.11 if it wasn't completed in class. Unit 3 test will be on Wednesday
Social Studies: Content 2--students took their chapter 3 test today.
Homework: None
Picture Re-takes are going to take place on Wednesday! Be prepared to bring back your pictures that you don't want and the photographers will retake your picture!
Language Arts: We finished up our Greek Mythology mini unit on Friday so we jumped into Unit 2 in our Basals today. The first story is "Mighty Jackie" which is a historical fiction piece about women playing baseball! With this story, we're going to be learning about determining the author's purpose in writing, working more with setting and characters, reading tables and charts and writing persuasive letters.
Our story vocabulary words this week are: legendary, muttered, gaped, snickering, insult, fluke and flinched.
Our common core words this week are:
- noun--a person place or thing
- common noun--names an ordinary person, place or thing
- proper noun--names a specific person, place or thing
- Author's Purpose--the reason the author has written the piece
- Entertain--the author has written the work to entertain us, for pleasure
- Persuade--the author of the work is trying to convince us to do something
- Inform--the author of the work would like to teach us something.
- Persuasive Letter--a piece of writing that is trying to convince the reader to do something.
Math: We finished up the lessons in Unit 3 today with a lot of practice solving open number sentences. Students worked through many examples and a journal page to practice this new skill.
Homework: Finish journal pages 74-75 and math box and study link 3.11 if it wasn't completed in class. Unit 3 test will be on Wednesday
Social Studies: Content 2--students took their chapter 3 test today.
Homework: None
Monday, October 8, 2012
Monday, October 8
We had a great day today!
Language Arts: We're continuing on with our study of Greek Mythology this week. Today's focus was on Persephone and how the seasons came to be. The kids are really enjoying this break from the basal reader and are really learning a lot about the gods and goddess.
HW: Finish the Persephone paper if it wasn't done in class today. Book orders are due tomorrow. Don't forget the Greek Mythology trading cards are due on Friday. Those that have been turned in look fantastic!
Math: We worked through 2 lessons today--3.6 and 3.7. We focused on gathering information and reading charts and tables in the first part of math and then figuring out air distances in the second half.
HW: Finish journal page 64 if it wasn't completed during math time. Math boxes and study links 3.6 and 3.7 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: (Content 2)-We finished up reading all the sections in chapter 3 today. We discussed early settlers in the New World. Study Guides were passed out today
HW: Chapter 3 test will be given on week from today, Monday, October 15th.
Language Arts: We're continuing on with our study of Greek Mythology this week. Today's focus was on Persephone and how the seasons came to be. The kids are really enjoying this break from the basal reader and are really learning a lot about the gods and goddess.
HW: Finish the Persephone paper if it wasn't done in class today. Book orders are due tomorrow. Don't forget the Greek Mythology trading cards are due on Friday. Those that have been turned in look fantastic!
Math: We worked through 2 lessons today--3.6 and 3.7. We focused on gathering information and reading charts and tables in the first part of math and then figuring out air distances in the second half.
HW: Finish journal page 64 if it wasn't completed during math time. Math boxes and study links 3.6 and 3.7 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: (Content 2)-We finished up reading all the sections in chapter 3 today. We discussed early settlers in the New World. Study Guides were passed out today
HW: Chapter 3 test will be given on week from today, Monday, October 15th.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Tuesday
Language Arts: We started our Greek Mythology lessons today! We spent some time watching a short video that explained some common Nature Myths, and then shared a packet about what exactly a Myth is and where they come from. The students really seemed to enjoy learning about this new topic!
HW: There is NO weekly homework this week due to no basal story. There is also no spelling list. Please watch for a longer-term homework assignment to come home tomorrow that has to do with our Mythology unit. Book orders are due next Tuesday!
Math: We combined three lessons today, so we were super busy. As discussed in class, the students really need to have their math facts secure by now...if they are not, it's time to work on them! :) Lessons 3.2-3.4 are all having to do with multiplication fact review, so we are having some work sessions in class today and tomorrow to hit these skills again.
HW: Nothing is due tomorrow...all pages are due Thursday.
Social Studies: We jumped into chapter 3 today, starting to learn about the first settlers to the Americas.
HW: None
HW: There is NO weekly homework this week due to no basal story. There is also no spelling list. Please watch for a longer-term homework assignment to come home tomorrow that has to do with our Mythology unit. Book orders are due next Tuesday!
Math: We combined three lessons today, so we were super busy. As discussed in class, the students really need to have their math facts secure by now...if they are not, it's time to work on them! :) Lessons 3.2-3.4 are all having to do with multiplication fact review, so we are having some work sessions in class today and tomorrow to hit these skills again.
HW: Nothing is due tomorrow...all pages are due Thursday.
Social Studies: We jumped into chapter 3 today, starting to learn about the first settlers to the Americas.
HW: None
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
A Wonderful Wednesday
We had a wonderful Wednesday at Northpoint!
LA: Busy, busy morning today! We worked on run-on sentences and how to turn them into compound and complex so they made sense. We also partner read the story and shared some thoughts on the setting, characters and plots. We added our Common Core vocabulary into our glossaries and also worked on our court yard writing that was started in class yesterday.
HW: Finish court yard writing (Students were given 45 minutes to complete it in class) and weekly homework is due on Friday. The normal Friday assessments have been moved to Monday of next week due to our busy schedule and heavy testing this week.
Math: We reviewed for Friday's Unit 2 test today and also began working on some Common Core Cards.
HW: Study for Unit 2 test, which will be given on Friday. We have Math Acuity testing tomorrow--bring gum!
Social Studies: Content 2--we reviewed this unit's skills by completing the processing page in our Interactive Student Notebooks. We also reviewed for Friday's test.
HW: Study for the Chapter 2 test.
LA: Busy, busy morning today! We worked on run-on sentences and how to turn them into compound and complex so they made sense. We also partner read the story and shared some thoughts on the setting, characters and plots. We added our Common Core vocabulary into our glossaries and also worked on our court yard writing that was started in class yesterday.
HW: Finish court yard writing (Students were given 45 minutes to complete it in class) and weekly homework is due on Friday. The normal Friday assessments have been moved to Monday of next week due to our busy schedule and heavy testing this week.
Math: We reviewed for Friday's Unit 2 test today and also began working on some Common Core Cards.
HW: Study for Unit 2 test, which will be given on Friday. We have Math Acuity testing tomorrow--bring gum!
Social Studies: Content 2--we reviewed this unit's skills by completing the processing page in our Interactive Student Notebooks. We also reviewed for Friday's test.
HW: Study for the Chapter 2 test.
Monday, September 24, 2012
I hope everyone had a great weekend! I know it's always good in our house when the Irish pull off a win! :)
L.A.--Today we took our spelling pretest over long o words. Our Story this week is called The Raft. We will be working on context clues, characters, settings, plot, and run-on sentences in class.
Our story vocabulary words this week are:
L.A.--Today we took our spelling pretest over long o words. Our Story this week is called The Raft. We will be working on context clues, characters, settings, plot, and run-on sentences in class.
Our story vocabulary words this week are:
- disgusted
- raft
- scattered
- cluttered
- downstream
- nozzle
- plot-- includes the events in a story
- context clues-provide help in the text when we don't know what a word means.-
- purpose-- why we write something
- audience--who we are writing to
- voice-- making sure that our personality shows through in or writing
We reviewed our vocabulary and comprehension
skills. Although time didn't allow for it this morning, we will be working on fixing run-on sentences by using conjunctions or
splitting the sentences in two simpler sentences in grammar this week. We finished the morning by listening to the story.
HW: Weekly homework pack is due on Friday. Last Friday's assessments went home today--be sure to go over them as a family!
Math: We spent some time collecting data about the sizes of our heads! :) We worked in partners to gather our data, and then made a class line plot of the data and found landmarks for a problem that was presented for us.
HW: Math box and study link 2.8 are due tomorrow. Students were given a review sheet of addition problems on Friday to work on in class, this is also due tomorrow if it has not been turned in. The math test will be given on Friday of this week...this is different than stated in the planners. Weekly homework is due on Friday as well.
Social Studies--Content class 2 finished up chapter 2 by reading the Reading Further section with partners today. It was a lot of fun learning about the "Mighty Mississippi!" We also spent time reviewing for the Chapter 2 test that will be at the end of the week.
HW: Study for this week's test. The study guide and Interactive Student Notebooks are going to be great tools to help you out!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Thursday, September 20
Don't forget...tomorrow is the Fall Carnival!
Language Arts: I had an hour long meeting this morning, so the students had a guest teacher for part of the time. I am proud to say they got a fantastic report and worked hard. We reviewed our grammar skill of complex sentences, finished our space writing, went over ways to spell the long /e/ sound, and did some more nonfiction reading and comprehension practice. It was a full morning!
HW: Weekly homework is due tomorrow! Space writing is also due if it wasn't finished in class.
Math: We worked on ballpark estimates and addition of large numbers today. Although the book went over a couple of different ways to do addition, the students are welcome to do it however it makes sense to them!
HW: Math box and study link 2.7 are due tomorrow. Journal pages 42-43 should have been completed in class. The unit 2 test will be given on Thursday of next week.
Social Studies: We finished up reading all of the sections of chapter 2. Our focus was mainly on the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Midwest Regions.
HW: Study guides were passed out. The test for Content 2 class will be next Friday.
Language Arts: I had an hour long meeting this morning, so the students had a guest teacher for part of the time. I am proud to say they got a fantastic report and worked hard. We reviewed our grammar skill of complex sentences, finished our space writing, went over ways to spell the long /e/ sound, and did some more nonfiction reading and comprehension practice. It was a full morning!
HW: Weekly homework is due tomorrow! Space writing is also due if it wasn't finished in class.
Math: We worked on ballpark estimates and addition of large numbers today. Although the book went over a couple of different ways to do addition, the students are welcome to do it however it makes sense to them!
HW: Math box and study link 2.7 are due tomorrow. Journal pages 42-43 should have been completed in class. The unit 2 test will be given on Thursday of next week.
Social Studies: We finished up reading all of the sections of chapter 2. Our focus was mainly on the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Midwest Regions.
HW: Study guides were passed out. The test for Content 2 class will be next Friday.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Language Arts--We had another busy morning today. We continued on learning about complex sentences, while reviewing subjects, predicates and compound sentences as well. We also worked on creating character maps--one about ourselves and one about the characters in this week's story. We had a short discussion on characters and setting and how they help us to understand the plot and the role they play in writing. We added our new common core vocabulary to our glossarys and finished off the morning with Vocabulary Vine.
HW: Weekly homework is due on Friday. Nonfiction work is due tomorrow--this is the story about space travel to the moon.
Math: We had a lot of fun finding landmarks with raisins in class today. We got to estimate how many raisins were in a box before we were able to open and count. We then enjoyed a snack while we worked on finding the landmarks of the class data.
HW: Math box and study link 2.5 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: We watched a video to help learn about Constitution day today, as well as went over the answers to the Geography Challenge we did in class.
HW: None
HW: Weekly homework is due on Friday. Nonfiction work is due tomorrow--this is the story about space travel to the moon.
Math: We had a lot of fun finding landmarks with raisins in class today. We got to estimate how many raisins were in a box before we were able to open and count. We then enjoyed a snack while we worked on finding the landmarks of the class data.
HW: Math box and study link 2.5 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: We watched a video to help learn about Constitution day today, as well as went over the answers to the Geography Challenge we did in class.
HW: None
Monday, September 17, 2012
Language Arts: We had a busy morning! Today we took our spelling pretest--all students should be bringing home
their lists and the pretest. We previewed our vocabulary and comprehension
skills today.
Our story vocabulary this week are:
Our common Core words of the week are
Math: We worked on large numbers in math today. Knowing how to read and write them is necessary.
HW: Math box and study link 2.4 are due tomorrow. Fishing for Digits is a great game to play to review this skill!
Social Studies: We enjoyed a video about the writing of the Constitution for Constitution Day today. We also went over the answers to the Geography Challenge that was completed last Thursday in class.
Our story vocabulary this week are:
- includes
- endless
- realistic
- universe
- astronaut
- sensible
- protested
- paralyzed
Our common Core words of the week are
- complex sentences-a sentence that includes an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
- characters--the people or animals in the story
- setting--where the story takes place
- analyze--being able to look closely at something and understand all of its parts.
- personal narrative--a story written about yourself.
Math: We worked on large numbers in math today. Knowing how to read and write them is necessary.
HW: Math box and study link 2.4 are due tomorrow. Fishing for Digits is a great game to play to review this skill!
Social Studies: We enjoyed a video about the writing of the Constitution for Constitution Day today. We also went over the answers to the Geography Challenge that was completed last Thursday in class.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Thursday, September 13
Language Arts: We finished reviewing all of our skills that were introduced this week. We focused a lot on our grammar skill (again!), as well as spelling patterns that we're seeing in this week's lists. We spent time with partners reading the story and then as a class sharing the nonfiction article at the end. We used our white boards to practice the ISTEP+ based questions and discussed some great test taking strategies with that article. Finally, we finished up the morning with practicing writing to a prompt, while using a rubric.
HW: Weekly homework is due tomorrow--don't forget the parent signature line. Oops slips will be given out for this! Also, if the elk writing wasn't completed in class today, it is due, in color edited form first thing tomorrow morning. Tomorrow is the last day for Book Orders as well!
Math: We've made our way into Unit 2 and reviewed name collection boxes today. We really worked on not just putting the simplest answer down and being down. We went for the challenge. :)
HW: Math boxes and study link 2.2 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: Content Group 1 today...We continued on with our study of the regions of the United States of America today and learned about different kinds of maps that geographers use.
HW: None
HW: Weekly homework is due tomorrow--don't forget the parent signature line. Oops slips will be given out for this! Also, if the elk writing wasn't completed in class today, it is due, in color edited form first thing tomorrow morning. Tomorrow is the last day for Book Orders as well!
Math: We've made our way into Unit 2 and reviewed name collection boxes today. We really worked on not just putting the simplest answer down and being down. We went for the challenge. :)
HW: Math boxes and study link 2.2 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: Content Group 1 today...We continued on with our study of the regions of the United States of America today and learned about different kinds of maps that geographers use.
HW: None
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Tuesday, September 11
What an important day in America! We took a moment this morning in silence to think of those who were impacted on this day in 2001. We only spoke briefly about that day in history, so your child may come home talking or asking questions tonight.
Language Arts: We continued on with our grammar skill this week of compound sentences. We also spent quite a bit of time reviewing compound subjects and predicates from last week. In addition, we added all of our new Common Core Vocabulary into the glossary section of our language arts binders. These words will not be tested, however, should be reviewed daily so they can be implemented into our classroom discussions and work. We continue to work on main ideas and details as well. Finally, we started Vocabulary Vine this morning. We will be doing this study of Greek and Latin roots Tuesdays through Fridays for the remainder of the year. Some of the students will be going to Mrs. Suddarth during this time to receive extra support in our reading program.
HW: Weekly homework is due on Friday. Book orders are also due on Friday.
Math: We took our Unit 1 test today.
HW: None
Social Studies: We read through sections 2.4-2.6 today and then worked with partners on a geography challenge. We had fun trying to use lines of longitude and latitude to locate places in the United States of America.
HW: None
Language Arts: We continued on with our grammar skill this week of compound sentences. We also spent quite a bit of time reviewing compound subjects and predicates from last week. In addition, we added all of our new Common Core Vocabulary into the glossary section of our language arts binders. These words will not be tested, however, should be reviewed daily so they can be implemented into our classroom discussions and work. We continue to work on main ideas and details as well. Finally, we started Vocabulary Vine this morning. We will be doing this study of Greek and Latin roots Tuesdays through Fridays for the remainder of the year. Some of the students will be going to Mrs. Suddarth during this time to receive extra support in our reading program.
HW: Weekly homework is due on Friday. Book orders are also due on Friday.
Math: We took our Unit 1 test today.
HW: None
Social Studies: We read through sections 2.4-2.6 today and then worked with partners on a geography challenge. We had fun trying to use lines of longitude and latitude to locate places in the United States of America.
HW: None
Monday, September 10, 2012
Another Week Is Upon Us!
We had a GREAT day today! 99% of us are in the swing of things and we're rolling! Hooray!
Language Arts: We introduced a new story this morning, "Animals Come Home To Our National Parks." It is a fantastic non fiction article with lots of information included. This week in grammar, we're going to be spending quite a bit of time reviewing simple and complete subjects and predicates. We're also going to be talking about how to use the conjunctions and, but and or to combine simple sentences into compound sentences.
This week's story vocabulary words are:
Math: We spent a lot of the time working together doing review for tomorrow's test.
HW: Math box 1.9 is due tomorrow. The test over Unit 1 will be given tomorrow as well.
Social Studies: We jumped into chapter 2 today. This chapter introduces us to a lot of geography terms and the 5 regions of the United States of America.
HW: None
Language Arts: We introduced a new story this morning, "Animals Come Home To Our National Parks." It is a fantastic non fiction article with lots of information included. This week in grammar, we're going to be spending quite a bit of time reviewing simple and complete subjects and predicates. We're also going to be talking about how to use the conjunctions and, but and or to combine simple sentences into compound sentences.
This week's story vocabulary words are:
- roamed
- completed
- journey
- natural
- wildlife
- main idea--the main idea of a paragraph or story
- details--the information that helps and explains the main idea
- clause-a group of words that has a subject and a verb.
- independent clause-a clause that can stand alone as a sentence
- compound sentence-a sentence that has two or more independent clauses
- conjunction--a word that is used to link clauses together in a compound sentence
- semicolon--used to separate two independent clauses
- summary--when someone retells the story in their own words.
Math: We spent a lot of the time working together doing review for tomorrow's test.
HW: Math box 1.9 is due tomorrow. The test over Unit 1 will be given tomorrow as well.
Social Studies: We jumped into chapter 2 today. This chapter introduces us to a lot of geography terms and the 5 regions of the United States of America.
HW: None
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Another Great Day in 4th Grade
We had another busy day in room 25 today! I think we are finally starting to get our groove and we're in a routine! Hooray!
Language Arts: We continued our study of main ideas and details today by completing a practice sheet together as a group. We also worked on ways to spell the long /a/ sound and recognizing words that had it in it. We worked on typing in computer lab as well as finishing up some more wish writing that wasn't completed last week. To end class together, we played a review game of the Common Core and story vocabulary for the week.
HW: Weekly homework is due tomorrow. Don't forget that parent's signature is required. Some students may have grabbed book orders--they are due NEXT Friday.
Math: We had one more day of compasses today...working on making regular hexagons by copying line segments only using our compasses. We also had a pop quiz over geometry terms.
HW: Math boxes and study link 1.8 are due tomorrow. Study guides were passed out today for next Tuesday's test.
Social Studies: We had our chapter 1 test today.
HW: Finish the activity on page 5 if it wasn't completed in class.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Welcome to 4th Grade!
I'm so glad you've made it to the blog! This is a great tool to stay connected with what's going on at Northpoint, and specifically in our classrooms!
LA: We spent the morning reviewing skills that were introduced yesterday with our new story. We worked on simple subjects and predicates as well as complete subjects and predicates. We completed a grammar page as well as some white board practice on this skill. We also worked with partners on fluency practice and finding main ideas and details. We spent quite a bit of time going over our Common Core vocabulary for the week.
- Main Idea--The main topic being discussed in a paragraph or story
- Details--Ideas that help support the main idea and topic sentence.
- Simile--A comparison of two things using like or as EX: I was as hungry as a horse.
- Metaphor--A comparison of two things not using like or as EX: Her hair was a flowing fountain.
- Imagery--When a picture is created in a reader's mind because of the vivid details the author has used in their writing.
- Personification--When a non-human object is given human qualities. EX: The sun winked at me.
We also worked on Cinquain Poetry--even trying our hand at writing our own.
HW: Weekly homework is due on Friday. Don't forget that this includes writing the spelling words, reviewing vocabulary, reading the story aloud, answering the Think and Compare questions and completing the back comprehension sheet. Cinquains are also due tomorrow if they were not completed in class. Spelling test is on Friday.
Math: We worked really hard on making circles with compasses today. Unfortunately there was a lot of frustration--we don't have the best compasses and they move easily! :( Although I was encouraging the kids to stay calm, I know some were very frustrated...you may hear about this tonight! They are welcome to bring one of their own from home, but it is not mandatory!
HW: Math box and study link 1.7 are due tomorrow. The test over Unit 1 will be given next Tuesday.
Social Studies: We had the test over chapter 1 today.
HW: Finish the activity from Interactive Student Notebook page 5. It is due Friday.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monday, January 30
Interesting Fact of the Day: There are more than 50,000 earthquakes throughout the world every year.
I can't believe January is coming to a close. Don't forget that the I Love To Read Challenge begins on Wednesday! I'm very excited!!!!
LA: Due to Science Expo presentations this morning, we had a short time to get a lot done! :) We took our spelling pretest and then moved on to grammar, where we are learning about subject and object pronouns. Many of us need to review regular pronouns before moving on...try to discuss tonight! The rest of the morning was spent on presentations, where we are all enjoying listening to one another's experiments and outcomes.
HW: Don't forget we will be going on our field trip on Friday morning. Letters went home to chaperones today.
Math: We're just about to finish up unit 8...taking some time to review positive and negative numbers today. Many of us don't even need to us to use the counters that we made anymore...hooray!
HW: Finish journal pages 237-239 if you and your partner did not finish. Don't forget to do #9 and 10 on 240...in addition to math boxes and study links 7.9
Social Studies: (Woods) We finished up reading chapter 8 today. We've had a great time learning about slaves and the difficulties they were faced with.
HW: Finish ISNB page 39 if you didn't complete it in class. Test over chapter 8 on Wednesday.
I can't believe January is coming to a close. Don't forget that the I Love To Read Challenge begins on Wednesday! I'm very excited!!!!
LA: Due to Science Expo presentations this morning, we had a short time to get a lot done! :) We took our spelling pretest and then moved on to grammar, where we are learning about subject and object pronouns. Many of us need to review regular pronouns before moving on...try to discuss tonight! The rest of the morning was spent on presentations, where we are all enjoying listening to one another's experiments and outcomes.
HW: Don't forget we will be going on our field trip on Friday morning. Letters went home to chaperones today.
Math: We're just about to finish up unit 8...taking some time to review positive and negative numbers today. Many of us don't even need to us to use the counters that we made anymore...hooray!
HW: Finish journal pages 237-239 if you and your partner did not finish. Don't forget to do #9 and 10 on 240...in addition to math boxes and study links 7.9
Social Studies: (Woods) We finished up reading chapter 8 today. We've had a great time learning about slaves and the difficulties they were faced with.
HW: Finish ISNB page 39 if you didn't complete it in class. Test over chapter 8 on Wednesday.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tuesday, January 24
Interesting Fact of the Day: Illinois has the most personalized license plates of any state.
LA: We continued on with chapters 15-16 in our novel today. We also took some time to review the rules of a friendly letter. We finished off the morning by adding to our collection of Greek and Latin roots in Vocabulary Vine. Don't forget that MAP testing is tomorrow. Bring gum!
HW: Comprehension questions are due tomorrow, we will also have a vocabulary quiz over this chunk of chapters. Page 7 of the published book is due on Thursday. Permission slips for the art museum are due on Friday.
Math: We were able to squeeze two lessons into one day today...we completed 7.4 and 7.5 today, learning about parenthesis and order of operations.
HW: Journal pages 220, 223, math boxes and study links 7.4 and 7.5.
Social Studies: (Grannan) We continued on with chapter 8 today, learning about the slave trade from West Africa to the British Colonies.
HW: None
LA: We continued on with chapters 15-16 in our novel today. We also took some time to review the rules of a friendly letter. We finished off the morning by adding to our collection of Greek and Latin roots in Vocabulary Vine. Don't forget that MAP testing is tomorrow. Bring gum!
HW: Comprehension questions are due tomorrow, we will also have a vocabulary quiz over this chunk of chapters. Page 7 of the published book is due on Thursday. Permission slips for the art museum are due on Friday.
Math: We were able to squeeze two lessons into one day today...we completed 7.4 and 7.5 today, learning about parenthesis and order of operations.
HW: Journal pages 220, 223, math boxes and study links 7.4 and 7.5.
Social Studies: (Grannan) We continued on with chapter 8 today, learning about the slave trade from West Africa to the British Colonies.
HW: None
Monday, January 23, 2012
Whew! It's Been Awhile!
Yikes! I haven't blogged since December 13th...my apologies. I'm still trying to figure out how to put many more minutes into my days! Argh!
Interesting Fact of the Day: Velcro was invented by a Swiss guy who was inspired by the way burrs attached to clothing.
LA: We're in the middle of our novel, "My Side of the Mountain." The students are really enjoying this read and we're all learning lots of new information about how to survive in the wilderness. Today, we discussed things like protagonists, antagonists, similes, metaphors, repetition, and alliteration. We are also learning about pronouns and antecedents in Grammar.
HW: Finish comprehension questions for chapters 13-14, study for Wednesdays vocabulary test and bring book orders. Don't forget that page 5 for your published book is due tomorrow...with parent signatures.
Math: Today we learned about Scientific Notation. It was a lot of fun learning about the differences between the different kinds of notations that we use in math.
HW: Finish journal pages if they weren't completed with your partner. Math box and study link 7.3 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: (Woods) Today, we started chapter 8, which has us learning about slavery in the North American Colonies. The students were filled with disgust and questions about slavery. We had such an interesting discussion, I'm really looking forward to going through this chapter in the coming days.
HW: None
Interesting Fact of the Day: Velcro was invented by a Swiss guy who was inspired by the way burrs attached to clothing.
LA: We're in the middle of our novel, "My Side of the Mountain." The students are really enjoying this read and we're all learning lots of new information about how to survive in the wilderness. Today, we discussed things like protagonists, antagonists, similes, metaphors, repetition, and alliteration. We are also learning about pronouns and antecedents in Grammar.
HW: Finish comprehension questions for chapters 13-14, study for Wednesdays vocabulary test and bring book orders. Don't forget that page 5 for your published book is due tomorrow...with parent signatures.
Math: Today we learned about Scientific Notation. It was a lot of fun learning about the differences between the different kinds of notations that we use in math.
HW: Finish journal pages if they weren't completed with your partner. Math box and study link 7.3 are due tomorrow.
Social Studies: (Woods) Today, we started chapter 8, which has us learning about slavery in the North American Colonies. The students were filled with disgust and questions about slavery. We had such an interesting discussion, I'm really looking forward to going through this chapter in the coming days.
HW: None
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